TIP Oh, heck. You been seriously "dug in", isolating yourself? Didja forget to run the car periodically, to keep battery charged?

[ainitfunny]

LIKE I DID.

That just now occurred to me. I haven't run the car in two months, so I know what I'll find later today when I try to start it.
Don't be like me. Go start the car/s keep the rpm up while you do because there's not much charging at idle rpms, but do not rev it up a lot. Just keep it over 1000 I was told.

 

[Dennis Olson]

If you don’t have AT LEAST one battery charger (and preferably several), you can’t really call yourself a prepper. I had to zap my car battery on Monday on the second car because it’s been two months since I’d run it.

 

[NoMoreLibs]

Two months? If your battery can't take that short of a break....you need a new battery.

But yes, beside the battery, it's a good idea to run the engine at least weekly, even better to let it get to temp and then shut it down. When this BS is over, a long drive over 60MPH will be good for things.

If one is worried about their battery, consider a charger with a maintenance function.

 

[Dozdoats]

The idea of the "Sunday drive" evolved in the ZUSA for just this reason.

 

[nomifyle]

I hadn't used my van in about three weeks, but had to go to the little town near us to mail a package to my DB. It started right up, but we do have chargers.

Judy

 

[ainitfunny]

I have a brand new battery expensive battery charger, but injured my back and can't stand up for more than a few seconds (and that is "standing" bent over at almost 90 degrees,i cant stand up straight at all, which makes working on the car most difficult from a wheelchair and I can't lift anything heavier than a medium cast iron skillet, and can't carry anything (very little lap here) and still move the wheelchair. Like I can wash dishes while sitting on a stepstool but cannot put them away, can wash clothes and sheets but cant change sheets.

 

[Dennis Olson]

I had power, just not quite enough to crank the engine. Don’t forget that parasitic loads slowly drain the battery over time. My car isn’t a 63 Ford...

 

[Dennis Olson]

Ainit, you can have a cable with a plug-end wired into your battery to facilitate charging. Then have the charger’s alligator clips replaced with the mate to the cable plug. Then you don’t even need to lift the hood to charge.

ETA: The “Super Smart Battery Tender” has all the bits & pieces right in the box. Plus the charger is about the size of 4 packs of cigarettes and weighs only ounces. It has a constant maintenance capability as well. About $50. (I own three.)

 

[NoMoreLibs]

There are some chargers that claim to work via the power port/cigarette lighter (if you have one). Might want to be careful with those though but it's an idea if you can't get under the hood.

 

[BassMan]

I’d run the car once a week, for both the battery, and the fuel injectors or carb. Gas evaporates, leaving varnish. Ethanol gas gets gummy or separates.

Battery charger is must-have, but if the battery discharges, you get “rust” (lead oxide?) that shorts-out the plates.

Not sure what to do with crappy ethanol gas in tank. Pri-G comes to mind, but weekly runs *may* use the gas up before gas separates or gets gummy. Gas problems are probably worse in if car is outside in rain: ethanol absorbs water.

 

[ainitfunny]

Thanks for the tip, I didn't know about those.. I haven't done any paid auto mechanical work in 46 years. 20 yrs for home tinkering.
I used to work as an auto mechanic in the early 70's.

 

[BassMan]

BTW, for the minority of non-technical, it might be worth distinguishing between a battery charger, and a backup battery “jump starter”. Those “jump starter” batteries can be useful if you are out and need a jump-start, but they do not charge batteries, per-se. Some chargers can be charger only (trickle charge), and not useful for jump-starting.

I keep an old sump-pump battery on a trickle charger in basement, should I need a hefty jump-start.

 

[BassMan]

I would be interested in any thoughts on using Pri-g in a car, to keep the ethanol gas from going bad. I use it all the time for small engines (mower, generator), but never treat car tank.

 

[ainitfunny]

There are some chargers that claim to work via the power port/cigarette lighter (if you have one). Might want to be careful with those though but it's an idea if you can't get under the hood.

I didn't even think of that. I would not be able to open the hood enough to make it stay open, even if I tried. No way. Grrr. I keep forgetting what I can't do.

BTW, for the minority of non-technical, it might be worth distinguishing between a battery charger, and a backup battery “jump starter”. Those “jump starter” batteries can be useful if you are out and need a jump-start, but they do not charge batteries, per-se. Some chargers can be charger only (trickle charge), and not useful for jump-starting.

I keep an old sump-pump battery on a trickle charger in basement, should I need a hefty jump-start.

That is one of the features on a more expensive charger is the jump start switch; I have a new charger and and an old (new condition) big jump starter, which I can't remember ever using.

 

[SouthernBreeze]

We haven't had a problem with either of our vehicles. Cary has been driving both up and down our long driveway just for the purpose of keeping the batteries charged. We've been in lockdown mode for over a month now.

 

[Snyper]

I would be interested in any thoughts on using Pri-g in a car, to keep the ethanol gas from going bad. I use it all the time for small engines (mower, generator), but never treat car tank.

I would help.
I occasionally use Sea Foam.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

I went to drive down the shooting range on Sunday and the Jeep turned over pretty slow, good reminder.

 

[Red Baron]

Last month my 20 year old Toyota wouldn't start after sitting for two weeks or so in below freezing temperatures.

With the car being so old, I figured I could jump start the car at home with my charger/jump starter but it may crap out on me once I got away from the house. I wanted to find the root cause of the dead battery thinking the alternator may have gone bad, ignition switch or something else was acting up.

The dealer towed it in, did a diagnostic and found nothing wrong with the electrical system. They noted I had put on very few miles since my last visit and that I was simply not driving the car long enough when I did take it out. Especially an issue in below freezing temps. We have been very much below "normal" temps in SE WI the entire winter.

I was very thankful the dealer didn't rip me off for a major repair. They did mention "parasitic load" is unavoidable on modern cars. Going on a three or four mile errand and starting the car two or three times results in the battery draining and not building a charge.

From what I understand, typical alternators only charge at about 10 amp/hours. A typical car battery has a capacity of 120 amp/hours. "Cranking amps" doesn't really tell you anything about the -capacity- of a battery.

10 amp/hours is pretty much the maximum charging rate for a typical lead acid battery. The basic rule is that you charge a battery at 10% of it's capacity at a voltage that is 10% above it's rated voltage.

Thus, a fully depleted car battery will take at least 12 hours to fully charge.

Jump starting a car is only a small part of the charging battle.

 

[Dennis Olson]

From what I understand, a 30 minute drive at highway speed will allow the alternator to fully charge a down battery.

 

[Blacknarwhal]

I've been supporting local businesses and engaging in take-out as routinely as I can.

 

[Raffy]

I'd recommend taking the car on at least a half hour drive once a week. That should keep any decent car battery in reasonably good condition and fully charged. Also, it is better for the car engine to run it under load for a while in traffic conditions to allow it to fully warm up and keep water from condensing in the motor oil and other fluids. With modern vehicles (those built within the last 25 years or so), it is best to get the car moving as soon as the oil light goes out after startup; do not idle the car to "warm it up". Warm it up by driving it! Of course, don't drive it like a race car when it's cold, but do get it moving.

 

[ainitfunny]

From what I understand, a 30 minute drive at highway speed will allow the alternator to fully charge a down battery.

That was my understanding also. But I'm not supposed to drive right now.
I am on multiple meds to allow me to even get out of bed.
I hate it but last thing I wanna do is get sent to a nursing home anytime in the near future for rehab after a too soon surgery.

 

[Dennis Olson]

I’m very sorry to hear that ainit.

 

[Blacknarwhal]

I'd recommend taking the car on at least a half hour drive once a week. That should keep any decent car battery in reasonably good condition and fully charged. Also, it is better for the car engine to run it under load for a while in traffic conditions to allow it to fully warm up and keep water from condensing in the motor oil and other fluids. With modern vehicles (those built within the last 25 years or so), it is best to get the car moving as soon as the oil light goes out after startup; do not idle the car to "warm it up". Warm it up by driving it! Of course, don't drive it like a race car when it's cold, but do get it moving.

I keep hearing it's a good idea to let it idle for 30 seconds before driving. Any more than that is a waste, though.

 

[Publius]

Have two chargers here. Now once you get it running again best plan on running it for at lest half an hour drive at highway speed and that will put enough charge in the battery, but it will not be fully charged that will take a battery charger or drive it for two hours to get it fully charged.

 

[ainitfunny]

I'm lucky, look at what TerryK went through. I'm happy if I see another sunrise. The days fly by. I'm never bored. I am hooked on You Tube, I have learned so many things I never knew, I am fascinated by everything I can learn on the internet and everywhere I can (virtually) go explore. But then again I am easily entertained, I could easily
spend the whole day on Google maps zooming in on some podunk village in Latvia or island in Greece or off Italy exploring, It is like I am THERE.

 

[Shooter]

Retired Mechanic, around 50 years working on equipment and trucks, that you need to start it every week is a myth, if you got a good battery it should start, ive shut down equipment in the fall and have it start in the spring.2 problems

First. usually. people treat a car battery like a flashlight, until it wont work they dont replace the batteries. every 4 years, no matter what, get a new one,
2nd, just to much stuff is on a car that dont shut off when you stop the car. thats a big drain on the battery,

most car alternators are between 90 amps and 150 amps, its stamped in the top of it.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Newer cars may have more parasitic drain.

What is "Normal" for Parasitic Draw?

www.optimabatteries.com

 

[jward]

LIKE I DID.

That just now occurred to me. I haven't run the car in two months, so I know what I'll find later today when I try to start it.
Don't be like me. Go start the car/s keep the rpm up while you do because there's not much charging at idle rpms, but do not rev it up a lot. Just keep it over 1000 I was told.

LOL- I feel a wee bit better now- I keep forgetting to start the car, even pre-pandemic, only to find I waited too long. :: shakes head :: I really thought that after the third time I might have remembered, but---

 

[packyderms_wife]

Ours gets run every couple of days.

 

[ainitfunny]

LOL- I feel a wee bit better now- I keep forgetting to start the car, even pre-pandemic, only to find I waited too long. :: shakes head :: I really thought that after the third time I might have remembered, but---

We humans are strange. Misery does indeed love company and knowing his stupidity is not his alone.

 

[Profit of Doom]

The idea of the "Sunday drive" evolved in the ZUSA for just this reason.

Along with the 90mph excuse “I was just blowing out the cobwebs”.

 

[jward]

We humans are strange. Misery does indeed love company and knowing his stupidity is not his alone.

I should point out, in my defense, that this was DH car and an ongoing issue, not one due to pandemic. I have managed to keep the truck on it's daily walk schedules ; )

 

[Profit of Doom]

Ho

Last month my 20 year old Toyota wouldn't start after sitting for two weeks or so in below freezing temperatures.

With the car being so old, I figured I could jump start the car at home with my charger/jump starter but it may crap out on me once I got away from the house. I wanted to find the root cause of the dead battery thinking the alternator may have gone bad, ignition switch or something else was acting up.

The dealer towed it in, did a diagnostic and found nothing wrong with the electrical system. They noted I had put on very few miles since my last visit and that I was simply not driving the car long enough when I did take it out. Especially an issue in below freezing temps. We have been very much below "normal" temps in SE WI the entire winter.

I was very thankful the dealer didn't rip me off for a major repair. They did mention "parasitic load" is unavoidable on modern cars. Going on a three or four mile errand and starting the car two or three times results in the battery draining and not building a charge.

From what I understand, typical alternators only charge at about 10 amp/hours. A typical car battery has a capacity of 120 amp/hours. "Cranking amps" doesn't really tell you anything about the -capacity- of a battery.

10 amp/hours is pretty much the maximum charging rate for a typical lead acid battery. The basic rule is that you charge a battery at 10% of it's capacity at a voltage that is 10% above it's rated voltage.

Thus, a fully depleted car battery will take at least 12 hours to fully charge.

Jump starting a car is only a small part of the charging battle.

Amp/hours is not a charging rate. Amps is a charging rate. If you charge at 10 amps for an hour, that is 10 amp/hours. That is not a common way to express charging. More common usage is capacity of a battery when used to power a load, and needs to include voltage to make any sense. “My pump uses 20 amp/hours at 48 volts to pump 1000 gallons into the holding tank”. That could also be 40 amp/hours at 24 volts, or 960 watt/hours, or basically a KwHour.

 

[teneo]

This is a great reminder, thank you! I have cars that other family members aren’t driving so I will be charging their batteries this weekend. I’ve got multiple chargers in various amperage ratings so it won’t be any trouble to hook them up. Hard part is remembering...

 

[Walnut]

I've been cranking ours and moving them around the yard at least once a week for the last month.

 

[ivantherussian03]

Wow...I am real prepper; I have many chargers and three bread machines! Awesome!

 

[Publius]

This is a great reminder, thank you! I have cars that other family members aren’t driving so I will be charging their batteries this weekend. I’ve got multiple chargers in various amperage ratings so it won’t be any trouble to hook them up. Hard part is remembering...

To all reading this a battery charger and the cars onboard charging systems both work and while the charging rate in ampers does matter to speed the process up both systems taper off the amperage as the battery comes closer to being fully charged and this is why it takes so long to fully charge a car battery and this is done so's not to seriously boil the battery which is bad, with some battery chargers this is unavoildable and to avoid damage they still tapper off the amperage and will stop charging when it reaches 1 or 1/2 amp.

 

[Donald Shimoda]

If you don’t have AT LEAST one battery charger (and preferably several), you can’t really call yourself a prepper. I had to zap my car battery on Monday on the second car because it’s been two months since I’d run it.

Howdy, Folks!

We're expecting snow this weekend, and so battery chargers are a must around here.

[We don't get up early enough to need block heaters or anything like that.]

When we lived out in the boonies, I just plugged the charger in and connected it to the battery on the truck, leaving it connected and installed.

[The truck was 4WD, so when it snowed that's how we got anywhere if we needed to leave. That was a very rare "if" - the thing to do was and is to plan on staying put during a snow dump.]

These days I tend to walk almost everywhere I go (this has been my M. O. the past several years), so I just keep my battery pulled and on a charger on a maintenance charge in my utility room.

This was standard operating procedure for me when I was in Central Texas, telecommuting from my home; it is a fact that one year I put a total of 250 miles on my car. Yes, that's the right number, and that was for the entire year. I just kept the battery on the charger in the garage.

Battery chargers are CHEAP, folks. Add one to the shopping list!

Peace and Love,

Donald Shimoda

 

[Martinhouse]

I've been running my '91 Toyota standard transmission truck about twice a week to check my mailbox and then run up the road a ways to turn around safely. Each trip is maybe a mile and a half. I also make one trip a month to the bank and post office drive-thru's, sometimes a second such trip, and this is roughly a 20 mile round trip. I don't even have to give it gas to start it...just turn the key and make sure I'm pressing down hard enough on the clutch.

I just love that ugly old piece of junk!

I never put it in gear and take off until it's run several seconds in warmer weather and a couple minutes in cold weather.